Segun Atanda/
In a major breakthrough against transnational crime, the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a notorious cross-border kidnapping ring and rescued 25 Ivorian nationals—including a high-profile victim—following a series of coordinated raids in Ogun State.
According to a press release from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the operation was launched after a distress alert from Côte d’Ivoire’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abidjan on April 23. The alert detailed how Ladji Yoa Pierre was deceived into traveling to Nigeria under the pretense of securing travel documents to Belgium, only to be held hostage with a ransom demand of 2.5 million CFA (approx. ₦6.6 million).
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police INTERPOL Annex, Lagos, CP Bode Ojajuni, deployed a crack team of investigators who, on May 5, stormed the abductors’ hideout at Osehi Hotel in Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State. Two victims were rescued on the spot and two suspects arrested.
A follow-up operation at Ejegun Itele, within the same area, led to the rescue of 23 additional victims, including Pierre, and the arrest of six more suspects—bringing the total number of rescued Ivorians to 25 and suspects in custody to eight.
The Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, told NewsmakersNG that the victims, visibly shaken but safe, were handed over to appropriate authorities. Pierre was reunited with his mother, Mrs. Kaussi Amenan Marianman, who had traveled from Abidjan. The remaining 24 victims were transferred to the Nigerian Immigration Services for further assistance, while the suspects remain in police custody pending investigation and prosecution.
In a formal letter dated May 6, 2025, NCB Abidjan commended the Nigeria Police for their swift and effective action, expressing hope for strengthened collaboration in the battle against transnational crime.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, lauded the operatives for their professionalism, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to rooting out criminal networks and ensuring Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for international crime.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unwavering in its resolve to pursue justice across borders,” the statement read. “No criminal will find refuge within our territory, no matter where their victims come from.”
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This is a disgrace to the Nigerian Immigration services. How did they cross and get into Nigeria?
Kudos to the Nigerian Police for a job well done.